WI Requirements For Dwelling Contractors

Statewide Rules for Pulling Building Permits
If you need to pull a building permit for a one- or two-family dwelling building or remodeling job in Wisconsin, you need two business credentials from the Department of Safety & Professional Services Safety & Buildings Division. Click here for FAQs

Dwelling Contractor Credential
The first is called the Dwelling Contractor Credential. It used to be called the Dwelling Contractor Financial Responsibility credential. You get this credential by submitting an application form, $35, and a certificate of insurance stating that your company has a minimum of $250,000 (per occurrence) of general liability insurance. This credential is held by the company and must be renewed annually.

Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential
As of January 1, 2008, the second credential you need is called the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential. It must be renewed every two years, and it’s held by an individual. That individual can be the company’s owner or partner or an employee of the person who holds the Dwelling Contractor Credential.

Initial Training Class
To qualify for the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential individuals need to take a special 12-credit initial training class. This course must be approved by the Department of Safety & Professional Services. You can find a list of initial training classes on the Department of Safety & Professional Service's web site.

Do You Hold the Credential?
For assurance, you can check your credential status on the Department of Safety & Professional Service’s web site. When you enter the search criteria remember this credential is held by the individual, not the company.

Continuing Education Requirement
Once you have your Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential, you will need to earn an additional 12 credits of continuing education over two years, taken by three months BEFORE the renewal date.

You will also likely receive many brochures about courses offered by a variety of providers in addition to the Wisconsin Builders Association and its affiliate local associations such as technical schools, lumberyards, building material suppliers or manufacturers. Before you commit to any classes, always check for three things:

Approval by the Department of Safety & Professional Services

Approved by the Department of Safety & Professional Services for continuing education credits for the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential

A Department of Safety & Professional Services course ID number. While it is the course provider's responsibility to enter the credits, you should make check and make sure that happened.

For continuing education purposes, separate courses of 1, 2, 3, 4 hours, etc., may be added up to earn 12 credits over the course of time.

You will need to apply to renew your Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential 3 months before it expires, so be sure you have your 12 credits earned by that time.